FIRST OFF, my apologies for not creating any posts lately. With Lynn on her summer break, we've been busy making the most of our time together; and therefore, I haven't had much/any time to sit at the computer and update my blog. Unfortunately, Lynn goes back to work on Monday ... the only good news with that is I hope to update my blog a bit more then with some of the fun activities we did during the summer.
One of the highlights of the summer, though, has been our 5 hour hike starting straight out our front door. I'm still amazed by how many great walks/hikes there are literally stepping out of our house. The Skyline Circular Route is a 15 1/2 km hike which took us through some quiet country roads and a "drove" road (where they used to drive cattle to market), climbing all the while towards the ridge of hills behind our house. Once we got towards the crest of the ridge, we were walking through the terrific Scottish heather. This area is ideal for grouse hunting - and Tux had a wonderful time running through the heather in search of anything he caught the scent of! We stopped at a grassy spot between Broom Hill and Pressendye to have a small picnic.
The sky was very gray and cloudy throughout the hike, and we could see rain showers falling everywhere around us. Fortunately somehow the rain managed to skirt around where we were and we stayed dry. It was cool at times when the wind was blowing, but for the most part we remained comfortable (no doubt, partially because of the uphill climb).
Once at the top of Pressendye, we stopped at the trig point and took a few photos. The views at the top of the summit were terrific! And we even got a clear cell phone signal to boot! (which at times can be a challenge in and around Tarland.)
An added highlight to this hike was being marched off the hill to the sounds of a (bag) Pipe Band playing at a local estate house, which is only a mile or so from our house. Quite surreal. Really made me feel like I am living in Scotland!
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